Post by Darren on May 10, 2010 0:34:45 GMT 10
GRI recently had the chance to evaluate the FLUKE TiR32 Infrared Thermal Image Camera which incorporates Fluke's IR-Fusion® Technology. Following is our review.
What's in the package?
- Thermal imager with standard infrared lens.
- IR Software with integrated report creation
- AC power supply and battery pack charger (including
mains adapters) - Two, rugged lithium ion smart battery packs
- SD memory card
- Multi-format USB memory card reader
- SmartView® software with free
software upgrades for life - Rugged, hard carrying case
- Soft transport bag
- Adjustable hand strap
- Printed users manual
- Interactive training DVD.
The imager has a field of view of 11.5 ° x 8.7 °, minimum focus 45cm (18") and the display is a 9.1cm colour VGA (640x480) backlit LCD.
The thermal detector is 320 X 240 Focal Plane Array, uncooled
microbolometer. The thermal sensitivity (NETD) is ≤ 0.05 °C at 30 °C (76°F) and Spacial resolution (IFOV) is 2.50 mRad.
Measured temperature range is -20 to 600°C (-4 to 1112°F) and accuracy is within ±2 °C or 2%. The recommended operating environment is within -10 to +50°C (14 to 122°F) and between 10-95% humidity (non condensing).
Images are stored via an SD slot allowing 1200 fully radiometric (.is2) and linked normal images on a 2GB card. The camera simultaneously takes a thermal image and digital photo. Possible file formats are .bmp, .jpeg or .is2.
Batteries (2 are supplied) are rechargeable Lithium-Ion and last over 4 hours of continuous use at 50% display brightness. Recharge takes about 2.5 hours. A two bay AC recharger is included or charging may be done via the camera itself. The unit can be operated from mains power whilst charging the battery "in camera".
Eight pallets are selectable for on screen display or saving images - Ironbow, Blue-Red, High Contrast, Amber, Amber Inverted, Hot Metal, Grayscale, or Grayscale Inverted. High temperature or dew point alarms can also be adjusted to give indications to the operator when set levels are detected.
The unit excels at combining thermal images with naturall images, not just Picture-In-Picture but full blending. This is achieved using Fluke's IR-Fusion® Technology. We found this very useful!
SmartView® full analysis and reporting software included and is quite user friendly and easy to navigate.
On screen measurements are quite useful. By default the maximum and minimum temperatures are displayed on the image.
This brief run through conveys only the basic features of the unit but it is capable of various additional adjustments in order to obtain the precise data desired.
What we liked
- We were very impressed by IR-Fusion® both in the imager and the usefulness later on in the software.
- The user interface makes operation fairly straightforward and automatic level adjustment worked well.
- Built in digital camera and the ability to display both a natural and thermal image "picture in picture" or BLENDED.
- The unit can be powered by the mains adapter provided allowing it to be used in a stationary position indefinitely. If there is a battery inserted it will be charged simultaneously.
- Start up time was good.
- The three button menu system was different but did make navigating the menus quite easy after you became used to it.
What we didn't like
- The absence of video output - this limits to still images photo's only unless you could use a SD to video adapter (such as www.spectec.com.tw/sdv841.htm).
- The screen pauses every so often to self adjust, although this is quite common on most thermal imagers.
Overall the unit is very sturdy and the manufacturer claims it could withstand dropping it from a 2 meter height. (See videos below).
More information:
Information in this review is provided for research purposes and is a guide only, readers should consult
product brochures and user manuals to confirm the information before reliance on any data contained.
Reproduction of any information or pictures must quote Ghost Research International as the source
and provide a link to the website (ghostresearchinternational.com) or this article.
This review has been made possible with the assistance of
www.techrentals.com.au/
suppliers of state-of-the-art scientific monitoring equipment.
product brochures and user manuals to confirm the information before reliance on any data contained.
Reproduction of any information or pictures must quote Ghost Research International as the source
and provide a link to the website (ghostresearchinternational.com) or this article.
This review has been made possible with the assistance of
www.techrentals.com.au/
suppliers of state-of-the-art scientific monitoring equipment.
